Fostering Airport Decarbonization: Feasibility Studies for Reducing Carbon Footprints of Ground Processes

In recent projects, airsight has provided global support to airports in their pursuit of ambitious net-zero targets. Leveraging its profound expertise, airsight has become a trusted resource for airports and project developers seeking guidance on implementing airport solar photovoltaic (PV) systems,  leading to significant reductions in airport controlled emissions. When airports invest in electric or hydrogen-powered Ground Support Equipment (GSE) or collaborate with stakeholders to promote sustainable taxiing modes, they can substantially reduce fuel consumption for taxiing aircraft and ground vehicles, thereby lowering the carbon footprint. These airport decarbonization measures also enhance air quality and reduce noise emissions, while potentially improving ground capacity and operational efficiency.

As part of feasibility studies, airsight assists clients in overcoming the challenges and barriers associated with airport decarbonization efforts:

1) Evaluation and feasibility study for the implementation of sustainable taxi modes (STX)

In collaboration with clients and relevant stakeholders, we assess sustainable taxi modes (e.g., TaxiBot ®, Single/Reduced Engine Taxi) for their suitability at each airport. Factors like inbound/outbound taxi times, aircraft fleet mix, airport capacity, and airport layout significantly influence this deep-dive evaluation. For short and medium-haul flights at major airports with taxi times of more than 15 minutes, the use of sustainable taxiing (STX) can significantly reduce flight operation-related emissions on ground. The potential fuel savings and emission reductions that can be achieved through STX are therefore also taken into account in this evaluation phase.

2) Development of Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

For STX solutions such as assisted taxiing with TaxiBots or even Reduced/Single Engine Taxi, we work on a solution-specific CONOPS in which processes, operational procedures, infrastructural adjustments, roles and responsibilities are defined and developed for the specific use case. Questions include, among others:

• Do standard taxi routes (inbound/outbound) simplify the compliance rate for reduced/single engine taxi?
• On which taxi routes does the use of TaxiBots make sense?
• Can de-icing pads be used for decoupling?
• How can the TaxiBots return from their decoupling station to the apron as quickly as possible via dedicated service roads?
• How many TaxiBots are needed during a typical peak hour?

Together with our safety/operations team, we also carry out a detailed aeronautical safety risk assessment to identify potential hazards (e.g. during malfunctions or low visibility conditions) and define mitigation measures enabling the implementation of STX.

3) Implementation planning for eGSE

Supporting airports and ground handlers, we facilitate the transition to Ground Support Equipment (GSE) powered by alternative systems—such as electric or hydrogen drives. Our focus includes precise fleet planning, CONOPS development, and adjustments to operational scenarios. Crucially, we’re creating a charging station concept for electric GSE within the airport perimeter, while estimating the necessary grid capacity and ensuring operational efficiency.

4) Financial analysis

Achieving sustainable airport decarbonization requires a delicate financial balance among stakeholders. Without this equilibrium, any solution risks failing to gain traction in operational use. To ensure economic viability, we meticulously design airport-specific financing models for individual decarbonization solutions.

While airlines stand to benefit significantly from Sustainable Taxiing (STX), it’s essential that airports and ground handlers aren’t burdened with exorbitant investment costs for equipment like the TaxiBot. Therefore, adapting the airport charging scheme becomes pivotal. By doing so, we can effectively channel the profits from fuel savings or increased capacity to all parties involved.

5) Stakeholder coordination

Airport decarbonization involves not only the Airport Operator but also key stakeholders like ANSP, Ground Handling, and Airlines. Airports with A-CDM already have collaborative interfaces, enabling an improved operational efficiency. Coordinating carbon reduction solution implementation across stakeholders and addressing their concerns is crucial. At airsight, we assist clients through stakeholder consultations and incorporate feedback in developing decarbonization concepts.

Outlook

Airport decarbonization is a prominent topic in the aviation community, and for good reason. The potential impact on carbon reduction at airports is substantial. However, implementing specific measures often involves intricate adjustments to infrastructure, operational procedures, and processes. In the case of sustainable taxiing, it even necessitates introducing a novel concept for moving aircraft from the apron stand to the runway.

airsight, with its deep expertise in regulatory compliance, safety, operations, and sustainability, serves as an independent partner for evaluating and implementing carbon reduction strategies at airports. If you have projects in this area, feel free to reach out via email for further discussion.